Barrow look to take the glitter off All Golds

BARROW Raiders are ready to face ‘one of the best southern sides’ in League One when Gloucestershire All Golds head to Craven Park this Saturday (kick-off 6.30pm).

Coach Paul Crarey puts them on a par with London Skolars, a side they defeated 20-10 in the capital last week.

“They are probably one of the best southern sides along with London, and we know how hard it was to win in London,” said Crarey.

“It will be a big, tough test for us, especially through the middle. They have caused some problems here over the few years we have played them.”

All Golds have already shown their value in this campaign having won six of their dozen matches played so far, but with Barrow looking pressure on Cumbrian rivals Whitehaven, who have won their last 10 games, Barrow will not treat the visitors lightly as they aim to regain second position in the table.

“The target is a must-win game for us to put some pressure on Whitehaven who meet Keighley on Sunday,” said Crarey.

Back rower Bradd Crellin is poised to return to the pack after overcoming injury and looks set to replace Jarrad Stack, who will switch to centre to keep tabs on his All Golds rival.

Other than that Crarey envisages few changes from that which faced London.

“We have kept Matty While – who had a great game in London – in to give him some game time,” added Crarey. “The halves will remain the same so there will not be many changes, just to what will suit our style of playing against these.

“We have brought some little plays in as well that might break Gloucester down a little bit and cause them some problems.”

Crarey has lots of admiration for All Golds coach Lee Greenwood, and said: “He has done a marvellous job with them. They are a side that can cause a real threat to us.”

Barrow host Oxford next and then travel to Whitehaven for what should settle second position before the Super 8s kick in, and Crarey said: “We are all gearing up for a big, big last three games. Everyone will play their part, which they have done throughout the year for us.”

Prop Brad Brennan has gone out on a short loan period to Coventry Bears because of a change in his work patterns which means he will be unavailable on Saturdays.

“We sent him there just to keep his match fitness,” said Crarey. “He is doing a good job for them and they are doing a great job keeping him fit for us.”